Air & Sea Show

Issue: Popular Event's Run To End.

December 15, 2007

There's been lots of disappointing news lately, but the cancellation of the popular Air & Sea Show ranks near the top.

The reasons the show's sponsors gave for throwing in the towel do sound plausible. It makes sense that rising fuel prices would increase the costs of putting on this event. And at a time when businesses are strapped by souring economic fortunes, it is no surprise that corporate title sponsorships would be a tough sell.

Nonetheless, it is still hard to fathom that a show that draws hundreds of thousands of people over two days can't be a more profitable endeavor for everyone. It's hard to come to grips with the fact that there is no way to tap a much larger revenue stream from all that attendance.

Be that as it may, the show's 13-year run on Fort Lauderdale Beach has apparently come to an end. That it is ending at a time when America remains at war, and when support for the men and women of the armed services is as important as ever, is doubly disappointing.

The region will certainly feel the loss next May, when a source of civic pride and an economic draw will be noticeably absent from our shores and skies. Losing an event that drove lots of tourism and entertainment dollars won't be easy to replace, especially as South Florida's economy suffers from a housing downturn.

The Air & Sea Show's home on Fort Lauderdale Beach has been in trouble before. A few years ago, when the city of Fort Lauderdale was in a financial tailspin, organizers mulled plans to cancel the show or move it elsewhere in South Florida.

It was saved then, but a comeback now appears unlikely. South Florida will feel its loss.

BOTTOM LINE: It's perplexing that a show that popular can't be more profitable.